Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you visit the reserve you won't be able to see the birds up close, but there are high-
powered binoculars you can use for free. To get to the reserve head north up Hwy 17
from Tainan and look for the English signs around the Km162 mark after crossing the
Zengwen River, or contact Taiwan Eco Tours (
Click here
)
for private tours.
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Houbi
Houbi (Hòubì), 50km north of Tainan, has been regarded as the 'granary of Taiwan' be-
cause of the excellent quality of grains it produces. To visitors, the miles of farmland
mean there are easy cycling opportunities and it makes a good day-trip option from Tain-
an or Chiayi.
Opened in 2012,
Togo Rural Village Art Museum
(Tǔgōu nóngcūn měishùguǎn; 86-12
Tugou Village)
comprises galleries and workshops housed in traditional courtyard homes in
Tugou Village. There are a lot of alleys but getting lost is part of the fun and every turn
can be a surprise when you see paddy fields aesthetically adorned with roadside art-
works. The village is 3km northeast of Houbi train station.
Jingliao
(Jīng liáo) is another charming village on County Rd 82, 2km northwest of
the train station. The unmissable
Saint Cross Church
(Jīngliáo Tiānzhǔtáng), a Roman
Catholic church designed by German architect Gottfried Boehm in the 1950s, is the high-
light.
To get there, take a local train from either Tainan or Chiayi to Houbi. There are bike
rentals (NT$150 per three hours) right outside Houbi train station.
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Taiwan Salt Museum
This
museum
(Taíwān Yén Bówùguǎn; Cigu Township; admission NT$130; 9am-5pm, closed
3rd Wed of month)
makes for a nice diversion on a long day exploring Taijiang National
Park. The 1st floor has English interpretation signs, and there are several movies to
watch. The 2nd-floor display of salt crystals from around the world is fascinating in its
variety. Next to the museum are several
salt mountains
(admission NT$50;
9am-6pm)
that kids can climb.
The museum and salt mountains are off Hwy 17 north of Tainan. Look for the turn-
off's English signs that are near the Km156 mark.
